Everything you do in the evening-including which foods you put on your dinner plate-can impact whether you sleep well once your head hits the pillow. In fact, a number of foods-from tart cherries to turkey to oatmeal-can help you drift off to dreamland.
So what better way to celebrate National Oatmeal Day on October 29th (yes, it’s a thing) than by having yourself a little breakfast for dinner tonight? Oatmeal contains melatonin, the sleep hormone that signals your body to hit the hay.
As long as you skip the pre-made packets (which contain lots of added sugar), oatmeal makes for a great sleep-boosting dinner. Get your breakfast-for-dinner on with one of the following oatmeal recipes, from super-savory to nice and sweet (but not too sweet).
1. Peanut butter banana chia oatmeal
Bananas are a classic oatmeal topping-and they work well in a nighttime bowl since they contain the mineral magnesium and amino acid tryptophan, both of which have a calming effect on the body. This recipe from Lovely Culinary adds chia seeds and peanut butter into the mix for a boost of nourishing fiber and protein.
2. Oatmeal with squash, poblanos, and goat cheese
If you’re feeling fancy, treat yourself to this decadent oat bowl from Rachael Ray Every Day. It tops your basic oats with rich roasted veggies, fresh chives, and creamy goat cheese for a meal as photo-worthy as it is good for you. (Here are overnight breakfasts you can make the night before.)
3. Healthy blueberry cheesecake oatmeal
Go the sweet route with this pie-inspired recipe from Food Faith Fitness, which gets its sweetness from blueberries, vanilla extract, and a touch of natural sweetener (like stevia). A dollop of cream cheese transforms the bowl into an absolute treat.
Related: What eating all that sugar is doing to your sleep
4. Mushroom and herb steel-cut oats
This risotto-style oatmeal bowl contains all of the comforting, savory flavors you love about the traditional rice dish. Foxes Love Lemons‘ recipe comes together much like your usual risotto, complete with white wine, leeks, mushrooms, and plenty of herbs and spices.
5. Spanish chorizo oatmeal
Think meat and oats just don’t mix? This Spanish cuisine-style oatmeal bowl by Destination Delish will change your mind. Complete with crumbly chorizo and a bright, flavorful roasted red pepper sauce, it’s rich and satisfying.
6. Oatmeal with goat cheese, dates, walnuts, and honey
This Better Homes & Gardens recipe perfectly pairs sweet and savory by topping oats with a straight-up decadent combination of goat cheese, dates, honey, and walnuts. It’s a heavenly combination of textures and flavors. Like a charcuterie board in an oat-y bowl.
Related: Here’s what the keto diet does to your sleep
7. Mediterranean oatmeal
The Mediterranean diet has long been lauded for its health benefits-and now you can capture all of its fresh, nourishing flavors in a bowl. This oatmeal recipe from Veganosity features spinach, basil, cherry tomatoes, and olives for a colorful, savory meal that comes together in minutes. (Go ahead and shave some Parmesan on there, too; we won’t tell.)
8. Healthy carrot cake oatmeal
Every Day with Madi Rae‘s carrot cake oatmeal recipe might be the best way to get your veggies in and satisfy your sweet tooth. Shredded carrots, coconut, bananas, cinnamon, honey, and nutmeg pack in lots that classic carrot cake flavor, while chia seeds, flax meal, and collagen protein powder add a balance of fiber and protein.
9. Bacon cheddar oatmeal
Everyone’s favorite breakfast sandwich in a bowl, this recipe from Macheesmo really goes there and puts bacon, egg, and cheese right into warm, gooey oats. Add fresh chives on top if you’re feeling something extra special.
Related: 5 drinks that help you sleep better
10. PB brownie batter oatmeal
This peanut butter-brownie oatmeal recipe from Fit Foodie Finds might look like dessert, but its simple ingredients make it worthy of dinner. In addition to unsweetened cocoa powder, it gets its rich sweetness from wholesome sources, like vanilla extract and maple syrup.